The Great Planner Debate.

Nothing gets my wannabe organized heart going like the thought of a new planner.  I adore the sight of a clean, empty planner just waiting to be filled with assignments all the fun things I have planned for the year!  Then, one month later it is usually collecting dust somewhere.

That routine finally changed when I discovered some amazing planners.  I think pretty much every blogger in the blogosphere uses either the Erin Condren Life Planner, Emily Ley Simplified Planner, Whitney English Day Designer, or the Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Spade agendas.  Can I just say for a second that I love how Erin, Emily, and Whitney (we're on first name basis ;)) put their whole hearts into creating planners that focus on what matters most in life?  With each one their heart and soul is so apparent, and I love that.  So, which one should you use?

While we all know I love Lilly Pulitzer, I feel like her agendas are more geared towards younger college students.  I had one my senior year and loved it!  However, it doesn't have the detailed pages I need now, so I have chosen not to get that one.  Same with Kate.  Love her, but the Kate Spade agendas don't fit what I need as much (although the price is pretty amazing).

First up, Erin Condren Life Planner.  I purchased this planner 2 years ago and adored it.  It was the first planner I actually used consistantly!  I really like how the days are broken up in morning, afternoon, and evening.  At the time I used it, I was not in school so it was perfect for planning work and social gatherings.  Plus, the stickers are so fun!  However, now that I'm in school, volunteering, a part of Junior League, and hopefully working soon, I need more detail in my day.  I need to be intentional about prioritizing, so I know this one isn't for me at this point in my life.

That leaves...The Simplified Planner vs. The Day Designer. (cue dramatic music)

 Photos: www.emilyley.com

First, The Simplified Planner.  I absolutely adore Emily Ley.  Her heart, her passion, and her sweet little family completely captured my heart. (Please tell me I'm not the only one who teared up when she announced she was finally pregnant...with twins!) I use her Simplified Binder, goal sheets, and blog printouts for my blog organization and it has been invaluable.  This year I used the Simplified Planner and was sold for life.  Last years was the same stripe design above, but with bright blues, pinks, greens, and yellow against the brightest white pages.  It's gorgeous and inspiring.  I love that she has hourly outlines, to do lists, dinner, notes, and an inspirational quote for every single day.  Her focus is to make time for "what matters most," and her planner reflects that.  She also strives to find simplicity and coined the phrase of "Grace, not perfection," which has been my mantra this year!  There will also be a limited edition Weekly Planner this year.  I honestly could not say enough wonderful things about her or her planner.  Still, I kept hearing about...

The Day Designer, by Whitney English.

 Photos from the Day Designer's Instagram @daydesigner
This planner has the same philosophy as the SP.  Daily hourly breakdown, to do list, spot for dinner, and an inspirational quote.  However, this one also has a spot for "Top 3" to dos, and "Due."  Also, at the beginning of the planner are 8 pages of worksheets to really define your goals for the following year.  This is great if you are a business owner (or blogger!) and want to clearly map out how to work smart, not just hard.  Plus, this year she came out with 9 new covers to complement the classic black and white!

So...this year, for the sake of research of course, I chose the Day Designer!  I'm really excited to see how I like it compared to the SP.  Come 2016 I will really know for sure! :)  What got me was the Top 3 to dos for the day and front worksheets.  Once I have a job, school, this blog, JL, social life, and other projects I'm going to need to focus on prioritizing, and I think the DD will really help with that.  The worksheets will be great for honing in on where my blog will take me in the year to come!  The cover is stunning too.  Sadly, I couldn't find a picture since her shop is closed until September 15, but it's the rugby design (identical to the green and blue one in the large picture) but with mint and pale pink.  I think I really did get heart shaped eyeballs when I first saw it!

Phew, that was long!  So tell me, which planner do you swear by?

P.S. The Simplified Planner goes on sale September 3 and the Day Designer sells their second batch on September 15!

P.p.s. Some GREAT Labor Day Sales have already started!
Banana Republic Factory - 50%-70% off
BaubleBar - Styles starting at 50% off
LOFT- 50% off NEW Fall styles, and an additional 50% off summer styles!